The Occupation of Beit Mahsir
Beit Mahsir was a large Arab village in the hills west of Jerusalem. Situated at a height of 575 m above sea level it controlled, from the south, the Jerusalem – Tel Aviv road. Right from the beginning of the war Arab gangs from the village interfered with Jewish traffic to and from Jerusalem.
Beit Mahsir was a large Arab village in the hills west of Jerusalem. Situated at a height of 575 m above sea level it controlled, from the south, the Jerusalem – Tel Aviv road. From the beginning of the war Arab gangs from the village interfered with Jewish traffic to and from Jerusalem and, in addition, a company of the Arab Legion was posted in the village. The positions held by the Harel Company in the Sha'ar Hagai region were shelled constantly from Beit Mahsir. The present day settlement, Beit Me'ir, is located on the site of the village.
As part of the 'Maccabi' campaign it was decided to occupy the village. This mission was given to the 4th Battalion of the Palmach. Several attacks were required to complete the operation successfully.
As part of the 'Maccabi' campaign it was decided to occupy the village. This mission was given to the 4th Battalion of the Palmach. Several attacks were required to complete the operation successfully.